Florida sailor declared lost at sea after going overboard: 'He truly loved the Navy'
Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV, 19, a third-class aviation boatswain’s mate. (Credit: U.S. Naval Institute)
A U.S. sailor has been declared lost at sea after initially being reported missing last month, according to the U.S. Naval Institute.
What we know:
According to the private non-profit military association, Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV, 19, a third-class aviation boatswain’s mate, was assumed overboard from the USS George Washington.
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The U.S. Navy and Australian Defence and Australian Border Forces launched search efforts in the Timor Sea on July 30.
What we don't know:
The U.S. Navy has not explained why Lynch may have gone overboard.
The backstory:
According to the institute, at 19, Rivera Lynch served in the Navy for just over a year.
A native of Middleburg, Fla., he enlisted at 17 through the delayed entry program, his father said. After graduating from high school in June 2024, he left immediately for bootcamp.
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The USS George Washington was his first assignment following bootcamp and A school. He joined the forward-deployed aircraft carrier in January, shortly after it was relocated to its homeport in Yokosuka, Japan.
What they're saying:
"There are many things I can say about my son — a vibrant young man, educated, humble. He truly loved the Navy, he truly loved what he did," Jose Rivera, the sailor’s father, told USNI News. "He was so excited. He lost his mind about going to Japan…I said ‘look at you’."
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with Airman Rivera Lynch’s family, friends, and shipmates during this incredibly difficult time," said Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander, Carrier Strike Group 5. "The courage and dedication shown by all personnel involved in this operation exemplifies the professionalism and commitment that defines our Navy."
The Source: The information in this story comes primarily from the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI), a private nonprofit military association that reported on Rivera Lynch’s disappearance and status. This story was reported from Los Angeles.